Welcome

 

Visits

Kelly shares One Million Men and Me with children at the Read Across America celebration sponsored by the Durham Association of Educators. Click here to download author visit flyer.


Author Visits, Writing Residencies & Workshops

"Kelly Starling Lyons adapted her “Bringing Black History to Life” program for our 4th and 5th graders. Her presentation for each group was appropriate for the students and they were excited to meet a “real author!” Her style was relaxed enough that the students felt free to ask questions not only about the history presented, but also about the writing process and about authors. She was great with her interactions and openly honest in her answers to their questions. We were pleased to see how she wove the writing process into her program. Students could relate to her writing experiences. We would love to have her visit again!"

-- Beth Obenschain, Teacher Librarian, Leesville Road Elementary

"If you are looking for a guest reader who can captivate your students and connect their experience as writers to book publishing, then look no farther. Kelly Starling Lyons is well prepared, adaptable, and sensitive to the needs of children. My students were enthralled by her multi-media presentation and I loved that she demonstrated how stories really do come from our experiences."

-- Hollie R. Johnson, Third Grade Teacer, Kingswood Elementary

"We had a wonderful experience with Kelly Lyons at our Center. She was well-prepared and could read the audience and adjust her presentation according to the needs and interests of our students. She was very responsive when we were setting up her visit and willing to work with our schedule. We highly recommend her as a speaker to groups of any age." 

-- Amy Cummings, Education Program Leader, Emily K Center

On June 7, 2010, John Taylor Williams M.S. hosted Ms. Kelly Lyons, author of “One Million Men and Me.” She shared the creation and thought process of her book with over sixty middle school students. Ms. Lyons' presentation to our students was both entertaining and informative. Her discussion also included the historical links and significance of where the story takes place. Our students thoroughly enjoyed her enthusiasm. Thank you so much! You have brought to light a very important event in this beautifully written and illustrated book!

-- Murielle Casimir, Media Specialist, John Taylor Williams M.S.

"I liked the story about the little girl who looks just like me. i met the author and she was really nice. she signed my book and was a lot of fun. i like learning about the girl who went on an important trip with her dad because my dad works all the time, far away. i hope i can go on a trip with my dad one day."

-- Tia, 6

Programs Offered For Children

If you'd like to book Kelly for an author visit or writing workshop, please send a note to email@kellystarlinglyons.com.

Bringing Black History to Life

How many times have you heard kids groan about history lessons? In this multimedia workshop, students get plugged in. Kelly shows a slideshow of images from the Million Man March and shares how that historic event inspired her picture book, One Million Men and Me. Then, she takes students on an inspiring journey through her writing process from story idea to publication. She gives them a peek at her first draft, revisions and engages them in discussing why particular editorial decisions were made. The session ends with a freedom song, interactive reading and Q&A. For upper grades, Kelly can also incorporate NEATE: Eddie's Ordeal into the presentation with a slideshow that shows the role young people played in the civil rights movement.

Reader’s Theater

Watch your students take NEATE: Eddie’s Ordeal, from the page to the stage in an exciting Reader’s Theater workshop. What will it include? History lesson. Check. Fun with props and music. Check. Kelly talks to students about the story behind the book and encourages them to explore connections between themes and their own lives. This workshop requires at least two sessions.

Finding Your Voice

Kelly has dreamed of being an author since she was a child. In this workshop, she takes young people on her journey from writing poems in school to becoming a freelance writer and children’s book author. Kelly talks about finding ideas, overcoming writer’s block, writing a draft (includes a fun story prompt activity), revising stories and understanding publishing. She shares early drafts, rejection letters and more to give kids a peek into a published writer’s world. Just as Kelly’s stories are inspired by moments, memories and history, students learn how to mine their lives and surroundings for ideas too. Kelly leads them in a free writing exercise. Then, she leaves them with a list of kid-friendly markets they can try.

Mine Your Life For Story Gold – A Writing Residency


In this five-day residency, Kelly uses the analogy of panning for gold to teach students that moments and memories offer inspiration for personal narratives. Through writing and discussion, students learn how to infuse their stories with heart, meaning, cohesion, voice and sensory detail. Through lessons on revision, they gain skills in strengthening and polishing their stories and giving constructive feedback to peers. The last day features readings and a celebration of the story each has written. 

 

Programs Offered For Adults

So You Want to Write a Children's Book

 

Have you always wanted to write a children's book? Start the journey with author Kelly Starling Lyons in a class designed to introduce you to the field. In this one-day workshop, you'll get a basic understanding of children's book genres, mine your life for story ideas, gain insight into the business of children's book publishing and learn about resources and tools of the trade. By the end of the class, you'll be steps closer to making your dream come true.

Custom Workshops for Children or Adults


Kelly can customize presentations or workshops for your class, community group, book club or church. She enjoys exploring black history and family history and talking about how to write personal essays, children's book stories and feature articles.

Signings


Please contact Kelly at email@kellystarlinglyons.com to invite her to do readings and signings. You can order books from Just Us Books (Willie Hudson, Director of Sales - 973-672-7701 or willie_hudson@justusbooks.com), Amazon.com or book stores.

Fees


Fees are negotiable. For locations outside of the Triangle area, travel and lodging fees may apply. Please contact Kelly at email@kellystarlinglyons.com for more information.

Visits

At her first Georgia signing, Kelly autographs NEATE posters and copies of "Eddie's Ordeal" at South DeKalb Mall's Learning Tree Book Store.